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10 things to do on a Dal snow day

Ah, winter in Nova Scotia. You never know what you’re going to get. One day it’s -15C and icy, the next it’s 12C and rainy. But one thing you can still guarantee is at least one or two big dumps of snow. (One year it was every Wednesday for about 6 weeks!) And when there’s a particularly large dump of snow, there’s a chance Dal (and much of the city) will shut down. So what do you do with your snow day? Here are a few ideas.

If the university is indeed closed, try a few or all of these ways to occupy yourself:

1. Sleep in

Why not? Turn off the alarm and get a bit more guilt-free shut-eye! Take advantage of the opportunity to catch up on your rest.

2. Work your muscles

Try those at-home yoga sessions you’ve been meaning to do. Crunch those abs and do some planks.

3. Read a book

Do it just for your own personal enjoyment and not worry about retaining the content for an exam! Open that novel you got over the holidays and dive into another world.

4. Shovel your front steps/driveway/sidewalk

Don’t wait for your landlord/parents/city staff/neighbourhood to do it for you. Get some exercise and do it yourself!

5. Shovel your neighbours’ steps/driveway/sidewalk

While you’re out there enjoying the snow and getting some exercise, grab your roommates or friends and clear the snow from your neighbours’ houses. Believe me, they’ll love you for it. And a little goodwill goes a long way.

6. Build a snow fort

When else do you get to just play like a kid anymore? Build a fort or a snowman and embrace the elements!

7. Catch up on some work

You have a whole day (or possibly two if it’s a massive storm) with no school. Take some time to do those readings you’ve been putting off, or work on your paper that’s due in a few weeks.

8. Binge-watch your new favourite shows

Netflix is a perfect accompaniment to snow days—but only after you’ve helped out your neighbours and done some active things so you’re not a complete slug all day, right?

9. Cook

Stock up on some ingredients if there’s a storm coming, and make a bunch of meals to put in the freezer for those days when you don’t have the time or inclination to cook. You’ll thank yourself later.

10. Hit a local hill

Grab a sled (or something you can sit on) and go to the nearest hill. Or strap on some cross-country skis or snowshoes. Again, take the time to embrace the weather and be a kid again! And if you’re not used to living in a snowy place, you’re in for a treat.